Five extraordinary women, one emotive book and the therapeutic benefits behind their written words

When five women from The Esther Community in Exeter first began writing about their personal battles with drug and alcohol addiction, domestic violence, self-harming and homelessness little did they know that it would end in a publishing deal and an opportunity to share their stories to help others around the world.

Eighteen months ago, the five women were embarking on a 10-week literacy course, funded by Devon Adult & Community Learning, unaware of their talents as writers and leading chaotic lives. Now, on Monday 16th September, they will be attending the Book Launch of their publication, Five Lives. The book will be marketed internationally and will be available to buy through Waterstones, Amazon and direct from the publisher, Southgate Publishers.

The launch will take place at the Hub on the Green, Exeter, where the writers will see the printed edition of their book for the first time. Two Exeter businesses have lent their support to the occasion. The Toni & Guy salon in Exeter are styling the five writers’ hair and they will have their nails done courtesy of The Cove Beauty Salon in Princesshay.

Apart from gaining nationally-recognised literacy qualifications – and, of course, signing a publishing contract - the book has had a transformative impact on the writers. Writing about the traumatic events of their past, and their battles with addiction and abuse, has helped them to reassess the future direction of their lives and move on. It is now their aim to introduce others facing a difficult time to the therapeutic benefits of writing.

As well as twenty-five emotionally-absorbing, true stories, the book contains guidance on Writing Therapy. Anna, one of the book’s authors says, “Writing about the beatings he gave me, and reading it in black and white, made me realise just how bad it actually was. This cemented in my head why I could never go back”.

First-time illustrator, Jemma Cholawo, provided the powerful artwork to accompany the stories. It was no mean feat to illustrate the anguish, turmoil and depth of feeling conveyed by the writers’ words, but Jemma drew upon her experience of her own teenage years of trauma, self-harm and toxic escapism. Jemma says, “I have always used art and writing as a means of expressing and working things out and would recommend it to anyone as a way of exploring and understanding the pain (and joy) of life. I don’t think I’d be here without those creative tools.”

Five Lives wouldn’t have happened without the tenacity of their literacy tutor, Fiona Prideaux, and her belief in the writers’ abilities. The authors have dedicated the book to Fiona “for encouraging us to write and for your boundless faith in us”. This sense of faith in the authors was also reflected in Southgate Publishers’ decision to co-create the book in partnership with them. They were involved in every aspect of the publishing process – from the design of the page spreads to the marketing of the publication. The newly-published authors will, in turn, reap the rewards of their talent and commitment by receiving a royalty from each copy sold. A percentage of the profits will also go to The Esther Community.

Emma S, one of the five writers, summed up what publishing Five Lives has meant to her: “The creative writing classes saved my sanity during a real crisis in my life. It’s been an unforgettable landmark in my life and part of the making of me.”

A website has been set up to promote the publication and for people to find out more about the life stories of the authors: www.bit.ly/fivelives. To order your copy of the book, priced at £4.95, contact rj@southgatepublishers.co.uk or call 01363 776888.